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Show Mssngr-Entrprls- . Special Mormon Miracle Inc. Pag 4 Pageant Supplement NCCJ, Bnai Brith denounce movie, tactics of Tbe following letter has been received from Rlchnrd P. Lindsay, Managing Director, Public Comma-nlcatlon- a Department, Church of Jeena Chrlat of Latter-da- y Salntsi Mr. Max E. Call, Editor 35 South Main Manti, Utah Dear Mr. Call: You may be aware of the announced plans of a group called Saints Alive in Jesus for evangeliz- -' ing in selected Utah cities this summer. These people have said that part of their effort will include showings of two films, "The God Makers, and Temple of The God Makers. Related to this, we think you will be interested in the two enclosed items. The first is a recent newsletter from the National Conference of Christians and Jews, which comments on "The God Makers and which the National Conference of Christians and Jews initiated and distributed to their organization offices across the nation. The second item is a letter from the regional director of the League of Bnai, Brith, which provides her reaction to "The God Makers film. . The many of those viewing Godmakers, especially those who are unfamiliar with the tenets of the Church of Latter Day Saints, will come away believing much of what they see. Those who view it carefully, however, can see just how invidious and defamatory "The Godmakers is. First, the producers invoke one of canards of rethe longest-standin- g that one defamation ligious religion (or its adherents) control a disproportionate share of our nation's resources. This base charge, at bottom, implies that there are those who are not entitled to participate fully in our society and that inevitably such ownership will be used for evil ends. Particularly invidious about "The Godmakers is its selection of a very few isolated cases, which may or may not be factual, and the implication that the characteristics of those cases are true throughout the LDS religion. We all know that there are unhappy and discontent people in every religion, and even if these cases were true, they say nothing about the Church of Mormons as a whole. Moreover, the film repeatedly refers to the I.DS Church as a cult, yet these individual cases show people who have freely and knowingly joined the Church and just as freely chose to leave hardly the mark of a cult. Yours sincerely, Richard P. Lindsay Managing Director Ed. aotei Tbeae two documents In their entirety. And Defamation League of Bnai Brith are herewith published Dr. Richard Lindsay Church of Latter Day Saints Salt Lake City, Utah I have now seen "The Godmakers quite a number of times, and I thought you would be interested in my professional reaction to it. Fust of all, impressed by the of the show. values high production Clearly, this is not the work either of amateurs or those with very limited resources. The film obviously cost a lot to produce and, with the exception of the animated sequence (which looks as if it were made by another source and inserted) used the talents of a fairly sophisticated I was film-make- r. The use of a documentary format with a factual tone is a clever ploy to convey a high degree of believability to what is in fact merely an work. I am fearful that anti-Morm- Finally, the film makers jest of the religious beliefs and history of the Church. It is the nature of faith, however, that the beliefs of adherents seem ridiculous to those could without faith. A as easily, and as disrespectfully, ridicule the parting of the Red Sea, or the resurrection of Jesus. "The Godmakers attempt to ridicule Mormon beliefs in this fashion clearly indicates the malevolent intent of the producers. Had a similar movie been made with either Judaism or Catholicism as its target, it would be immediately denounced for the scurrilous piece that it is. I sincerely hope that people of all faiths will similarly repudiate The Godmakers as defamatoty and untrue, and recognize it for what a challenge to it truly represents the religious liberty of all. hope you share my analysis with all those interested in "The Godfathers and you may feel free to copy this letter and circulate it as you I choose. . and cause community division hurt. be to deeply persons We recognize as a positive value the right of any religious group to assert their belief In the absolute truth of their own religious beliefs and practices. However, this basic right also suggests the necessity for tolerance towad others who may hold similar views about their own particular beliefs and customs. The Godmakers FOm fairness, good judgment and in a spirit of tolerance for' the convictions of others. with The Document Rhonda M. Abrams Regional Director League group anti-LD- S An Advisory Report to the Religious Executives of Arizona self-restrai- nor The NCCJ does not seek to censor, has it ever sought Bnai Brith Background restrict or limit the activities of a:.y For more than three years, an religious group. Neither do we take a organization known as Concerned judgmental position with regard to Christians, Inc. of Mesa, Arizona the theology or doctrines of any has conducted programs in the religious body. National Conference of Valley area (and into neighboring We do, however, recognize that in Christians and Jews states) which have two purposes: a complex, religiously pluralistic Arizona Region 1. exposing and bringing to full Don Eagle, director society such as we live in today, a knowledge the real doctrines of false great variety of sincerely held beliefs Introduction prophets and teachers of the guide the individual and collective Few intergroup conflicts are more Mormon Church. consciences of the American people. difficult to resolve, or, sometimes, Each is deserving of our mutual 2. service to the Christian comeven to address, than those caused and forbearance. respect them informed, munity by keeping by religious proselytization. Fundathem . . . that they may be equipping Thus, we are concerned lest mental civil and religious rights are effective witnesses. continuing religious controversy uninvolved, along with sensitive his(Quotations from information favorably affect the peace, harmony torical and theological preceptions. combrochure published by Concerned and tranquility of our Valley of course, occurs in Proselytization, divisiveness munities. Prolonged various forms and intensities, and of Christians, Inc.) based on religious differences can be the varieties none is more challengMuch of the activity of Concerned detrimental to the business, social, ing to workable pluralism than that Christians, Inc. has been in the form and even the educational political, in which aggressive missionary zeal of presentations in churches often personal lives of the citizenry. We targets a particular other, persisaccompanied by the showing of a 59 would not like that to happen to us. tently criticizes the targeted groups minute, color film titled, The beliefs and practices and publicly Godfathers. The group has also Proselytizing Activities questions its religious integrity. The NCCJ accepts without sponsored meetings in rented public Such religious "anti-ishas halls for lectures and showing of the reservation the legal right of any religious group to engage in significantly declined in the United film. States across recent decades. But it Public awareness of a developing proselytizing activities. We have little quarrel with the kind of still happens. When it does, NCCJ is d controversy became called upon to use its best skills in following the publication of a feature low-kehighly personalized propromoting interreligious respect article (about a March 8, 1983 selytizing programs engaged in daily that is conscious of genuine religious showing of the film) which appeared by numerous religious groups. In we note that wherever such differences. in the Mesa Tribune. Shortly fact, are prohibited by governactivities thereafter, a delegation of sixteen For more than a year March, Mesa citizens asked the Arizona ments, tyranny results and a free 1983, through March, 1984 the Region of the National Conference of society is lost. We would not wish to Arizona Region worked to underlive in a nation which imposes Christians and Jews to investigate stand, analyze and creatively and to assist in any way possible. An sanctions on religious activity of any respond to a local conflict about ad hoc study committee was kind. proselytization with nationwide appointed, composed of representaWe do question, however, those implications. The controversy was tives of several faiths (including both types of proselytizing activities sparked by Concerned Christians, laity and clergy). Since which utilize fraud or deception, Inc. of Mesa, a group whose 1983, it has met numerous times, e.g.; numerous instances have been published purpose includes the viewed the film in question, interreported to us of persons posing as "exposing of the false teachers viewed Concerned Christians leadJews, in order to gain entree in order of the Church of Jesus Christ of ers on three occasions, listened to to seek the conversion of Jews to Latter-da- y Saints (Mormon). Similar Dr. Truman Madsen, holder of the Christianity. We deplore such groups function in other parts of the Richard L. Evans Chair for Christian tactics. country. Understanding at Brigham Young Neither do we believe that it University, and ultimately presented The Arizona experience offers an its information to the full Arizona serves the best interest of adaptable model of a responsible NCCJ Board for a decision at the community good will for any group to attack the central faith, beliefs, NCCJ approach to special-targMarch 2, 1984 board meeting. doctrines, or validity of any other The missionary activity. process was deliberate and open and resulted in NCCJ Reaffirm i Religious Freedom religious group. Religious belief is of vital importance to many Americans. an advisory report addressed to the The National Conference of Chrisreligious leadership of the state. The tians and Jews reaffirms its It must be recognized that very deep best introduction to the situation and allegiance to the First Amendment feelings and emotions are stirred to the response is the report itself, of the Constitution and our American when the most important concepts, printed here in full. Following the1 tradition of religious freedomin both traditions, personalities and institudocument, the steps in the process faith and practice. At the same time, tions of any religious group are are delineated, illustrated and we strongly urge responsible use of alleged to be based on falsehood. that freedom. It must be exercised Such frontal assaults promote implications are drawn. Because The in our opinion The film does not fairly portray the Mormon Church, Mormon history, or Mormon belief. It makes extensive use of "half-trutfaulty generalizations, erroneous interpretations, h, and sensationalism. It is not reflective of the genuine spirit of the Mormon faith: We find particularly offensive the emphasis in the film that is some sort of Mormonism a danger to the subversive plot community, a threat to the institution of marriage, and is destructive to the mental health of teenagers. All of our experience with our Mormon neighbors provides eloquent refutation of these charges. We are of the opinion that "The Godmakers relies heavily on appeals to fear, prejudice and other less worthy human emotions. We believe that continued use of this film poses genuine danger to the climate of good will and harmony which currently exists between Valley neighbors of differing faiths. It appears to us to be a basically unfair and untruthful presentation of what Mormons really believe and practice. NCCJs Position m wide-sprea- The National Conference goals, methods, priorities and activities. We would like to persuade them to voluntarily monitor their own programs seeking to minimize any which threaten our climate of interreligious harmony and good will. We ask them as responsible (Continued on Page 5) THIS IS THE TIME iilBV TO BUY PANORAMALAND'S SOUVENIR BOOKLET ON UTAH! 9 Ftn. Green 9 "Utah", a Stow 405 E. 200 S., Manti 835-744- 1 Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Groceries, Meat, Ice i, re a Real Country Store, with Real Friendly Service! We Welcome to all Pageant guests B full-col- or souvenir book published by Panoramaland is available throughout Utah. The booklet focuses on the scenic and recrational attractions of Central Utah, featuring 80 pages of beautiful color pictures of Utah. Also included is Manti one of the most beautiful publications showing breathtaking geography. may purchase a Panoramaland booklet at any of the following locations: You Salina Best Western Motel Mom's Cafe Scenic Hills Motel Branding Iron Cafe Taco Time Safari Motel Manti Messenger office Simmon's Furniture JB Custom Sound Elliott's Pharmacy Miller's Bakery Manti Campground & Balloon Port Kim's Conoco Service Center summarizing explorations of early explorers. This booklet is truly Our Place Cafe Sandy's Country Store a short historical narrative Ephraim Ember's Restaurant Sterling Sterling Grocery Thomas Grocery Gunnison Gunnison Husky Jensen of Christians and Jews has no power to coerce Concerned Christians or any other group into any course of action, nor do we seek it. 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